TORONTO (Sep. 18) — At no time since 1967, until now, have the Maple Leafs been one player away from challenging for the Stanley Cup. Just how significant that piece remains is a matter of opinion.
In my view, it… Read More

TORONTO (July 5) — It costs nothing to be rejected in the National Hockey League. Therefore, the Toronto Maple Leafs can go hard at pursuing a player that would spectacularly balance their roster.
Harold Ballard once told reporters he would… Read More

TORONTO (June 28) — Imagine the Toronto Maple Leafs in three years with John Tavares, Auston Matthews, William Nylander and Mitch Marner all making beyond–entry–level cash; with a Norris Trophy–caliber defenseman eating up close to $10 million in cap space… Read More

VANCOUVER (Dec. 2) — Nearly 7½ years after being chosen in the first round of the National Hockey League draft, Nazem Kadri might be getting a fair shake. But, even that is uncertain… and open to interpretation.
From the moment,… Read More

TORONTO (Nov. 22) — In their interminable quest to secure a legitimate, No. 1 defenseman, the Maple Leafs could be eyeing Oliver Ekman–Larsson of the Arizona Coyotes. So says one of my Phoenix bird–dogs.
“This is for later in the… Read More

TORONTO (July 9) — Given the still–memorable events of March 2014, it is perhaps fateful that Jonathan Bernier finds himself, once again, tending goal for Randy Carlyle — both now in Anaheim. The two men were complicit in a hugely… Read More

TORONTO (June 18) — With less than a week remaining before the most anticipated draft in Toronto hockey history, local fear–mongers are still emailing about an imminent trade of the No. 1 pick. These people have no concept of relaxation,… Read More

TORONTO (May 2) — Shocking, wasn’t it, that Brendan Shanahan refused to reveal the Maple Leafs’ plan after winning the draft lottery on Saturday? The same Shanahan who hired a general manager that wouldn’t confirm the chill of an arctic… Read More

TORONTO (Oct. 25) — And now, back to our regularly–scheduled programming.
As the logo and title of this re–designed website suggests, it is mostly about hockey. Problem is, Toronto has been mostly — if not all — about baseball for… Read More

By HOWARD BERGER
TORONTO (Jan. 30) — Please do not consider this a swipe at the Toronto Star or hockey columnist (and my friend) Dave Feschuk. It is neither. But, clearly, the headline above Dave’s front–page composition in the Sports… Read More

Who is

Howard Berger

Hockey/baseball reporter at THE FAN-590 for 23 years (1988-2011), and original from September 1992 launch of Canada’s first all-sports radio station. Covered Toronto Blue Jays 1992 and 1993 World Series victories. Started with Leafs full time in 1994. Enjoying life with my family (kids Shane and Lauren).